Welcome to the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2017 shortlist, showcasing the achievements of the 60-plus food and drink manufacturers and individuals, some of whom will win one or more manufacturing Oscars at our gala awards evening at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday November 1.

On the shortlist this year are food and drink manufacturers large and small: from Bakkavor and ABP UK to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), including Troy Foods, Willowbrook Foods and American Muffin.

While the size of each enterprise may differ, all have broken new ground in innovative food and drink manufacturing, new product development, category management and supply chain improvements.

This year’s awards – now in their 17th​ year​ – feature seven manufacturing categories, including Ambient manufacturing company of the year, Bakery, Beverages, Chilled, Dairy, Fresh produce and Meat and poultry.

Manufacturing Oscars​

Manufacturing Oscars will also be claimed for the Best new use of food ingredients, Environmental initiative, Supply chain initiative, SME innovation, Training programme and Judges’ star performer.

Also included this year will be a trophy for the Young talent of the year; the individual aged under 25 who promises to make the biggest impact on the food and drink manufacturing sector of tomorrow.

For the second year running, the awards will feature the Me and my factory editor’s choice award. This manufacturing Oscar celebrates the achievements of one of the factory managers featured in our Me and my factory profiles​, published each month in our sister title Food Manufacture​​.

The 1920s themed evening will culminate in the big one: the Food Manufacture Excellence Award of the year; awarded to one of the winners of the seven manufacturing categories.

Culminate in the big one​

Last year, the top award was claimed by Northern Ireland-based chilled prepared foods manufacturer Mash Direct. Here’s the full list of last year’s winners and finalists​.

So, which manufacturer will succeed Mash Direct to claim the top award: signalling that they are the best of the best in food and drink manufacturing?

Be among the first to find out by booking your place​ at the 17th​ Food Manufacture Excellence Awards at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday November 1.

This year’s gala award celebrations will be hosted by Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson.

Meanwhile, we would like to thank our independent panel of judges, led by chair of the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink Paul Wilkinson.

We would also like to thank the sponsors​ of this year’s awards: Columbus, D R Newit, KDH, Lockton, Michael Page, Celsius, Sanderson, SA Partners, PPMA and Dawn Foods. More information about the awards is available here​.

So, good luck to all the shortlisted food and drink manufacturers and individuals. Here’s wishing you all the best for the big night in London on Wednesday November 1.